When the demon finally closed Arabella's eyes, the silence shattered. Sounds Cassius had grown accustomed to losing crashed back into his ears like a volley of arrows, sharp and disorienting. He winced, clutching his temple until his keen hearing gradually adjusted. By the time he steadied himself, he found her green eyes again, softer now, much more humane and filled with the gentle emotion that she would always face the world with.
But Arabella's expression shifted as she realized her position: reclined against Cassius's legs, head resting there like a contented cat begging for affection.
"Ah, I was standing beside you," she murmured, flustered, pushing herself up.
Cassius's hand caught her shoulder, pressing her gently back against his leg. His smile was faint but warm, rare in its honesty.
"Don't worry," he whispered. "Just stay there for a while."
